It’s time for Highland Vows & Vengeance! Book one in Kara Griffin’s new series is available today, and she was kind enough to answer some questions for us.
You can get your copy of this steamy historical romance HERE!
How much research do you do into the time period and places you write about? Do you have any experience dressing in character or participating in living history situations or are you more a fan of libraries and online resources?
I have been writing in the historical genre for over 26 years and am always learning new things while researching. So, I would say I am more of a library fan rather than a living history buff. Research is probably my favorite part of writing. I am definitely a library lover with dusty books and the smell of paper and ink. Recently, I have been attending online lectures from Dundee University and find them richly rewarding. Before I start to plot a book, I am deeply immersed in researching the timeline, events, monarchy, and other facts related to the time/place of the book.
What are your favorite kind of characters to write? Do you have a specific trope that you’re drawn too?
Writing Scottish historicals, there was so much political strife going on pre 1600’s between clans, kings, etc. Many stories include these tropes, but I like to go beyond the political scene and write about what the characters are personally experiencing. Regardless of time/history, people have always had emotional events happening in their lives and it was no different for people who lived in the time periods I write in. I think writing these personal situations brings more emotion and sentimentality to the characters and story. As far as troupes, I don’t really write to troupes.
Which comes first for you: the plot or the characters?
I love when a story forms or I get inspired to write a story. For me, usually the plot comes to light, sparks, and then ignites. The characters begin to reveal themselves as I’m considering how the story will unfold. It depends on the plot as to whether I will have an alpha hero or sweet heroine, who the villain(s) will be. So yes, definitely plot first.
Does your writing process include any kind of ritual? Story specific playlists, tea, or candles, for example?
This is a great question because I have been writing for a long time and discovered that my process has changed over the years. I used to be able to write with all kinds of distractions around me. Now, I need a quiet place where I can quiet my mind and focus on the story. I definitely need some white noise in the background. Sometimes it’s a tv show that I have watched a million times or an ambiance channel with the sounds of the ocean. My favorite though is dreamy Celtic music that lends itself to the genre I’m writing. When I am writing, I usually forget to move, eat, or take note of the time. It’s easy to get lost in the historical world.
What do you like to read when you’re not reading in your genre? Did you have a favorite book or series when you were growing up?
I have been an avid reader since the age of 16 when I began reading serialized romance books. Then I discovered historical romance and devoured as many books as I could get my hands on. My favorite genre is Scottish romance but I also like other historical periods. I used to read a novel a night, but after having children, working fulltime, and writing – it was hard to find time to read. Life has settled down but still, I have a hard time fitting reading in. It is something I am working on–to read more. I loved all Julie Garwood, Catherine Coulter, Johanna Lindsey, Beatrice Small and many others back in the day. I have a great collection of old books I happily revisit. I’m always on the lookout for new authors to read, especially if they write Scottish/Highland Historicals.
